Mr Stark said the act was "careless rather than deliberate driving" and there was no allegation she ran him over on purpose, although his injuries could have been life-threatening if not attended to.

She has a history of driving offences predominately for speeding, but was convicted of dangerous operation of a vehicle in 2014 and sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

Mr Stark said in that case, Macdonald tail-gated a different ex-partner on Mary Valley Rd, persistently beeping her horn and driving into the oncoming lane.

The man and two other witnesses contacted police to report the incident.

Defence barrister Simone Bain told the court Macdonald was "incredibly remorseful" for her latest dangerous driving charge and was otherwise regarded as a "kind, gentle, caring person" by those who knew her.

Ms Bain said the victim was abusive towards Macdonald and held the allegations over her head until he made a formal complaint in 2018 following a serious domestic violence incident.

Despite the delay in the victim coming forward, charges against Macdonald were pursued in December 2016 based on the statements of other witnesses.

Macdonald cares for her 15-year-old son who has cerebral palsy and is passionate about assisting disabled people through horse riding.

Chief Judge Kerry O'Brien told the court he needed time to consider the appropriate sentence for Macdonald which he will hand down next Thursday.